A steel span of an under-construction bridge collapsed at Mantei under Marshaghai block of Kendrapara district on Wednesday.
No causality has been reported so far.
As per reports, the incident took place when a slab of the bridge over Ashrukhala canal was laid over the steel span. The span suddenly gave way causing the steel frame and span come down crashing.
Prima facie it appears that there may have been some issues with the bearings. The bearings, fixed on the two opposite pillars above which the steel span is placed, take the load of the superstructures and substructure of the bridge. The bridge tilted when the rod binding work was in progress.
Locals alleged that the incident occurred due to the use of poor quality sand and cement in the construction work.
However, the reactions of the construction firm or government authorities are yet to be received as the contractor and the officials fled from the spot following the accident in the under-construction bridge.
Notably, the bridge is being constructed under the Biju Setu Yojana at an estimated cost of Rs 2.5 crore.
Earlier in May, an under-construction bridge on the National Highway-16 near Brajrajnagar in Panikoili had collapsed. However, no loss of life was reported in the mishap.
